To the point: Thalis are some of the most value for money meals you can eat. It is the traditional Indian way of eating a meal in a platter where all the flavours – sweet, salty, sour and spicy are served together. It’s tempting to think of Mumbai as the hub of the Gujarati thali, but there are plenty of varied regional cuisines to choose from, and no, they aren’t all vegetarian!
Shree Thaker Bhojanalay
What: Vegetarian Gujarati Thali Their menu is updated with seasonal specialties (think aamras in the summer and undhiyoin the winter), besides which you’re spoiled with farsans, kachori, dhoklas, ghee-laden rotis, traditional Gujarati rotlo, puran poli and even khichdi!
Where: 31, Dadisheth Agyari Lane, Off Kalbadevi Road, Kalbadevi Price: Rs 500
Gonguura
What: Vegetarian Andhra Thali This one is a simple yet authentic, traditional Andhra meal that comprises dal, three different veggies, rasam, sambar, flavoured rice, curd, chutney, rotis or puris along with a sweet. Adding to the experience are an array of pickles and masalas that are placed at each table.
Where: 6, Juhu Ekta Co-operative Housing Society, Juhu Versova Link Road, Juhu Price: Rs 385
A Rama Nayak’s Udipi Shree Krishna Boarding
What: Traditional South Indian Thali This spot has been serving authentic South Indian meals since 1942. Get ready to get your hands messy and dig into a thali that’s served on a banana leaf with upkari (dry vegetable), a coconut-based gravy and an unlimited supply of sambar, rasam and chutneys. End your meal with their sweet of the day, which is usually a different type of payasam.
Where: 1st Floor, LBS Market Building, Near Matunga Central Railway Station, Matunga (East) Price: Rs 225
Pancham Puriwala
What: Pancham Thali This 150-year-old stall is known for serving several types of puris! If you’re looking for a full meal, their signature thali comes with five different subzis, various types of masala puris, and of course, a sweet and buttermilk.
Address: 8-10, Perin Nariman Street, Fort Price: Rs 130
Jai Hind Lunch Home
What: Surmai Fish Thali
This is one reliable institution that every sea-food lover swears by. Savour fresh surmai fish, served with two gravies, solkadi and chapatis.
Where: Multiple outlets in Lower Parel, Dadar, Bandra
Price: Rs 300
Konkan Thali
What: Chicken Thali If you’re not a seafood fan, this is a great non vegetarian alternative. They serve three different types of Konkani-style chicken, chapatis, rice and rassa (a thin gravy) to be washed down with a glass of solkadi.
Where: Shop No 8, Station Road, Goregaon (West) Price: Rs 150 – Rs 220
